Re: Re: Why hybrid cars?

Over a year ago

by Bill Stone

Jim Woolsey’s talk is wonderfully logical and practical. I would respectful disagree on one point, i.e., the notion that cars are not part of “the problem.” A major problem with cars is that the government pays subsidies that are so pervasive that we fail to recognize them (google “car subsidies”). Moreover, as the energy efficiency of cars increase so does the total distance traveled per person. If these subsidies were gradually withdrawn, we would be compelled (by market forces alone) to cease urban sprawl and build compact living/working spaces (as in arcologies) that would not require any cars. Walking is the ultimate form of transportation- reducing both cancer and cardiovascular disease. Walking will also help reduce the epidemic of childhood obesity that would otherwise bankrupt our health care system. Yes, in the old days I walked many miles to school through the snow.